Inside Door handle installation?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 119
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Inside Door handle installation?
How do you guys install the interior door handles? For years I always used a large flat blade screwdriver....insertling it into the bottom grove and twisted it open far enough to start the handle into the slots. Then removed the screwdriver and finished sliding the handle in and then installed the screw that fastens the handle to the open/locking mechanism. Unfortunaly I think this method is hard on the pot metal mechanism. Looks like it started to break the retainer lip. 
I put some JB weld on it and tapped it back in place but I think it's toast.
69-72 door ( probably thru 76?)
Bullshark
I put some JB weld on it and tapped it back in place but I think it's toast.
69-72 door ( probably thru 76?)
Bullshark
Last edited by Bullshark; Oct 9, 2004 at 07:52 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
go to carquest and on the HELP rack there should be a tool that is used to remove the clips that hold on the window cranks and the lock ****- its a flat piece of metal with a groove cut out that fits in the groove of the handle(where the clip sits) there ard $5---
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Windsor Ontario
I was wondering if you should install it prior to putting the door panel (interior) on. Seems to me that it wuld be much easier than to try and do it after. I had mine off a couple of weeks ago and managed to get it back on after installing the door panel but afterwards thought it might go on first. If it will fit thru the opening them that's how I would do it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 119
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
carl, Yes I have the tool to remove the lock **** and handle, getting thing off is easy. I'm now putting things back together.
babyiza73. Can't remember but I thought I tried that approach way back when with no luck??? Maybe I should try that again??? Anybody know for sure if that works?
Bullshark
babyiza73. Can't remember but I thought I tried that approach way back when with no luck??? Maybe I should try that again??? Anybody know for sure if that works?
Bullshark
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 119
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Originally Posted by Larry B.
Put the clip on the ****, push it on, hear it click, done.
The lock **** and window crank is the easy part. Its the door handle that can be touchy. I remember now what is was about putting the handle on before mounting the door panel. With the handle aready mounted and slipped thru the interior door panel handle opening, it is tough to get the panel up high enough to slide down over the upper door frame keeper tabs along the top of the door frame.
Bullshark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
OOPS...I thought you were talking about the lock ****.. For the door handle... Put A wedge under the mechanism to hold it at a slightly(1/2 ) open position and then put the panel on. now you have plenty of room to put the handle on because it is at an anle with plenty of clearance.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 119
From: St. Charles Mo
CI 5 & 8 Veteran
Umm, If you put a wedge in the mechanism then put the door panel on.....install the handle, How do you get the wedge out? Hard to visualize. whatever methods used to wedge the handle must not gouge/scratch up the trim. That is why I resorted to the flatblade screwdriver in the slot method. Always thought this was one of GM's better designs. 
Anybody have some pics?
Bullshark
Anybody have some pics?
Bullshark
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
73 VET is right. I picked up a 'universal' door handle clip tool from Auto Zone but the center slot isn't wide enough for my handles. I used a really small screwdriver to push out the clip.
Also, I had my passenger side panel off a couple of weeks ago. I had to remove the window crank and lock **** but I left the door handle on. It was a little tricky getting the panel back on but with a little patience and fanagling I got it back on fine.
VaporLockd
Also, I had my passenger side panel off a couple of weeks ago. I had to remove the window crank and lock **** but I left the door handle on. It was a little tricky getting the panel back on but with a little patience and fanagling I got it back on fine.
VaporLockd
